Freshman WSU Cougar arrested after alleged locker room fight

Washington State University police have arrested a freshman defensive lineman for the Cougars after an alleged fight in the football locker room, according to KQQQ Radio in Pullman.

Police were contacted Thursday afternoon by a Cougar football player who said he suffered a broken jaw when he was sucker punched by another player. The alleged assault occurred Tuesday morning when 18-year-old defensive lineman Emmitt Su’a-Kalio hit the victim.

Officers worked with Cougar football coaches, who brought Su’a-Kalio to the police station Thursday, where he was arrested and booked for felony second degree assault.

The freshman from Samoa is in the Whitman County Jail awaiting his first appearance which is expected Friday afternoon.

The injured player underwent surgery in Spokane to have his jaw wired shut.

The WSU Athletic Department issued a one sentence statement on the matter Friday afternoon, saying that, "It is a team matter and we won’t comment on team matters."

Su’a-Kalio was released from custody Friday afternoon without charges being filed following his first appearance in court. Police have until Oct. 9 to file charges in the case. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 16.

The WSU football team is currently on its way to Berkeley, Calif. to face the Cal Bears Saturday.